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Difficulty: EasyAnalyzing Multiple-Meaning Words

Before steering the cargo vessel into the shallow bay, the captain measured the ship's draft. Because the vessel was fully loaded with heavy machinery, the lowest part of its hull sat significantly deeper in the water than normal, increasing the risk of running aground.

Based on the passage, what does the word 'draft' most nearly mean?

  1. A
    A preliminary outline of a written plan
  2. The depth of a vessel's hull beneath the waterlineAnswer
  3. C
    A sudden current of cool moving air
  4. D
    A mandatory selection of individuals for military service

Answer

The depth of a vessel's hull beneath the waterline
In nautical contexts, 'draft' refers to the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of a ship's hull. The passage clearly supports this meaning by mentioning a 'shallow bay,' the hull sitting 'deeper in the water,' and the danger of 'running aground.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the target word 'draft' and examine the surrounding context clues.
The passage mentions entering a 'shallow bay,' loading 'heavy machinery,' and the hull sitting 'deeper in the water.'
Contextual clues indicate that the passage is discussing the physical position of a ship relative to the water level.
2
Evaluate the meanings of 'draft' against the passage details.
In maritime contexts, 'draft' refers specifically to the distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull.
This definition directly explains why heavy cargo would cause the vessel to sit deeper and risk hitting bottom in shallow water.

Key Concept

Analyzing Multiple-Meaning Words in Context
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Analyzing Multiple-Meaning Words

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